Apparatus for Walking Assistance

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for walking assistance to facilitate the movement of individuals who require assistance over short distances for brief periods of time is provided. Specifically, the apparatus allows those having lower limb amputations to move temporarily without a prosthetic device. The apparatus includes a T-shaped cane having a single, adjustable support post with a T-shaped crossbar having two handles. At the base of the cane is a curved support foot with a cushioned contact surface for placement against the floor. The collapsible apparatus includes four primary components; (1) a top receiver bar, (2) a lower receiver bar, (3) a pair of handlebars, and (4) a base platform. The top receiver bar includes a T-shaped cross piece for handlebar insertion. In an alternate embodiment, the top receiver bar comprises a simple cylindrical tube while the handlebar component comprises a T-shaped cross piece. The lower receiver bar telescopes within the top receiver bar at a desired height. The base retains the lower receiver bar and integrates a rigid support plate, a base pad, and a pair of winged plate sections for a rocker type motion during use.

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit under Title 35 United States Code §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application 61/079,142 filed Jul. 9, 2008 the full disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to devices for providing walking assistance for individuals. The present invention relates more specifically to a device for assisting lower limb amputees with movement over short distances under conditions where such amputees have temporarily removed their prosthetic devices.

2. Description of the Related Art

There are a large number and variety of devices generally designed to assist individuals with the process of walking over long and short distances. Such devices include everything from simple canes or walking-sticks to more complex two-handed rolling walkers. Also included as walking assistance devices are crutches of a variety of designs and ultimately, larger, more complex wheelchair devices. This wide range of available devices to assist with walking is generally required because of the wide range of abilities associated with individuals requiring such assistance. In some instances a simple cane is all that is necessary to steady the individual with their walking motion. In other cases, a wheelchair device may be required to support the individual and transport them over a distance. The variety of walking assist devices thus developed in the prior art are therefore reflective of the variety of individuals and conditions that require such assistance.

Individuals who have had lower limb amputations typically will receive prosthetic devices that allow the lower limb amputees to enjoy relative freedom of motion while walking once they have learned to adapt to and utilize a prosthetic device. Difficulties, however, arise where individuals with lower limb prosthetics remove the prosthetics as for sleeping, resting, or otherwise not engaging in mobile activity. Unfortunately, the process of putting a typical lower limb prosthetic device on can be a complex and time consuming procedure. In most instances, these prosthetic devices include a variety of attachment means that require some time and some effort to put in place. Frequently, the process of putting such a prosthetic device on is more time consuming than desired, especially where the individual needs only to travel a short distance for a brief period of time. A typical example of such a situation would involve waking from sleep to require the use of restroom facilities before returning to sleep. It is undesirable to take the time to put a prosthetic device on for this short term and short distance purpose.

While such individuals wearing lower limb prosthetic devices might look to other temporary walking aids, there are few, if any, devices that satisfy the needs for comfort and compactness. Crutches, for example, achieve the purpose of temporary use over short distances and for brief periods of time, but tend to be very uncomfortable and by no means compact for purposes of travel and the like. A simple cane provides some walking assistance, but because of its structure, seldom achieves the steadiness required, especially when the individual has just awakened from sleep. There are no devices currently available that provide both stability to the user and compactness for purposes of ease of use and travel. Few of the devices that are available are comfortable to the user, both for providing a steady support and for comfortable contact with the arms or hands of the user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, therefore, provides a walking assistance device that may facilitate the movement of any of a number of individuals who require such assistance over short distances for brief periods of time. In particular, the device of the present invention finds specific use in assisting those who have lower limb amputations to move temporarily without a prosthetic device. The present invention provides a T-shaped cane that integrates a single, adjustable support post with a T-shaped crossbar having two handles for firm support. At the base of the central post of the cane is a curved support platform that integrates a cushioned contact surface for placement against the floor. The T-cane of the present invention may be adjustable in height, as with many single point support canes, but provides the additional improved features of dual handles positioned on a cross piece at the top of the can and a wide, curved supportive base positioned on the bottom of the cane. In the preferred embodiment the device of the present invention is collapsible into four primary components; (1) a top receiver bar, (2) a lower receiver bar, (3) a pair of handlebars, and (4) a base platform. In the preferred embodiment the top receiver bar includes a T-shaped cross piece at one end, into which the handlebars may be securely inserted. In an alternate preferred embodiment, the top receiver bar comprises a simple cylindrical tube while the handlebar component comprises a T-shaped cross piece. The lower receiver bar is constructed to telescope within the top receiver bar and to be fixed in position at a desired height. The base is designed to receive the lower receiver bar and to securely attach the same during use. The base integrates a rigid support plate as well as a base pad for contacting the floor. The base includes a pair of winged plate sections that offer a rocker type motion to the user during use of the T-cane.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the walking assistance device of the present invention in its fully assembled configuration.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the base component for the walking assistance device of the present invention.

FIG. 2B is a side view of the base component of the walking assistance device of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the lower receiver bar component of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the top receiver bar component of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the set of handlebar components of the present invention.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are perspective and side views of an alternate embodiment of the present invention showing the manner of integrating a light onto the structure of the walking assistance device.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the top receiver bar component of an alternate preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the handlebar component of an alternate preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As indicated above, the objectives of the present invention include simplicity, compactness, and stability. Walking assistance devices must be particularly stable, especially when they are to be used by individuals who may be only momentarily awake. The device must be simple in its construction so as not to require a great deal of skill or effort in its use or its assembly. The device should be compact in design such that it may travel easily and be utilized inobtrusively. It would be preferable if the device were adjustable as to height so as to accommodate users of a variety of statures. It would further be desirable if the device could be separated into a number of smaller components that could be easily packaged into a travel case in a manner that allowed for the easy transport of the device.

Reference is made first to FIG. 1 for a detailed description of the fully assembled walking assistance device of the present invention. T-cane 10 shown in FIG. 1 comprises the four or five basic components discussed generally above. The base component 12 is a generally rectangular structure made of multiple layers as described in more detail below. Base component 12 integrates a connector, again as described in more detail below, that receives lower receiver bar 14 which in the preferred embodiment is a tubular support post forming the lower section of the cane. Lower receiver bar 14 is structured with an outside diameter appropriate for insertion into the inside diameter of top receiver bar 16. As shown generally in FIG. 1, the connection between lower receiver bar 14 and top receiver bar 16 is made variable by means of a plurality of apertures and a locking pin arrangement as described in more detail below.

Top receiver bar 16 incorporates a short T-shaped section positioned at right angles to the primary longitudinal axis of the bar. This right angled cross piece is designed to receive left handlebar 18 a and right handlebar 18 b. Overall, there are five separate pieces or components to the T-cane device of the preferred embodiment of the present invention that may be easily taken apart or assembled as necessary.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 2A and 2B for a more detailed description of the structure and function of the base component 12 of the present invention. FIG. 2A is a perspective view of base 12 shown with lower receiver bar 14 removed from its attachment thereto. As indicated above, base 12 is a generally rectangular plate structure having base coupling 20 positioned at a central location on the top of the plate. Base component 12 is itself constructed of base plate 22, which in the preferred embodiment is ¼″ bent aluminum plate onto which is attached base pad 24, which in the preferred embodiment is a non-skid rubber type material. Base plate 22 incorporates base mid-plate 28 onto which base coupling 20 is positioned (welded in the preferred embodiment). To either side of base mid-plate 28 are base wing plates 26 and 30. These wing plates 26 and 30 allow a rocking motion to occur when the user moves the T-cane of the present invention forward or backward. This reduces the likelihood that the corners or edges of base component 12 will catch on obstructions on or near the floor.

Base coupling 20 is a cylindrical aluminum tube section that includes snap lock receiver hole 34 and middle bar receiver aperture 32. In the preferred embodiment snap lock receiver hole 34 is a ¼″ diameter aperture positioned to receive a snap lock pin positioned on one end of lower receiver bar 14. Middle bar receiver aperture 32 has a 1 1/16″ inside diameter designed to snugly receive and retain the outside diameter of lower receiver bar 14. Base coupling 20 is constructed of ¼″ thick aluminum tubing section giving it an outside diameter of approximately 15/16″.

The dimensions of base component 12 may vary according to the needs of the user. It is anticipated that a variety of different length dimensions (for the longer dimension of base plate 22) could be provided for different users. Four inch (4″) lengths or nine inch (9″) lengths and a variety of steps in between could be provided for.

Reference is made to FIG. 2B for a side view of the above described components of the base 12 of the present invention. In this view, the inside diameter of middle bar receiver 32 can be seen. Likewise, in a partial cross sectional view, snap lock receiver hole 34 can be seen approximately ½″ above base plate 22. Base coupling 20 would, in the preferred embodiment, have a height of approximately 1½″ which is sufficient to rigidly secure one end of lower receiver bar 14 as described above.

The base wing plate structures described above are shown in profile in FIG. 2B with an approximate 25° angle between the plane of base mid-plate 28 and base wing plates 26 and 30. This angle provides an adequate rocking motion for the user, yet still offers significant stability through the entire 4″ width of base component 12 in the preferred embodiment.

Reference is now made to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 for detailed descriptions of the upright bar structures of the walking assistance device of the present invention. FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of lower receiver bar 14 which, as indicated above, is sized to be received into base coupling 20 of base 12 (at a lower end of bar 14) and into top receiver bar 16 as described in more detail below. Bottom snap lock pin 38 is positioned at the lower end of lower receiver bar 14 where it may be inserted and locked into snap lock receiver hole 34 of base coupling 20 (see FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B). At the opposing end of lower receiver bar 14 is a similarly positioned top snap lock pin 40. Each of the snap lock pins as described in the present invention may be configured with 1200 psi force structures (springs internal to the tubes within which they are placed). The preferred length of lower receiver bar 14 is approximately 1½′ with 1′5⅞″ inches being the precise preferred dimension. The tubular aluminum stock should have a ¾″ inside diameter and a 1 1/32″ outside diameter.

FIG. 4 discloses in detail top receiver bar 16, which like lower receiver bar 14 is constructed of ¼″ tubular aluminum stock. In this case, the preferred inside diameter is 1 1/16″ while the outside diameter is 1 5/16″. Positioned on the lower portion of top receiver bar 16 is a linear array of receiver holes 46 a-n. In the preferred embodiment there are eight of these linearly spaced ¼″ diameter apertures, each positioned 1″ apart in order to accommodate a wide variability in the overall height for the cane. The preferred length of top receiver bar 16 is approximately 1′ 9″ with an exact length of 1′ 9¼″ being the dimension of the constructed prototype.

Top receiver bar 16 is constructed of top bar 42 and top cross piece 44. These pieces are welded together at weld 48 as shown. Top cross piece 44 is in the preferred embodiment approximately 2⅝″ long and is positioned with a central axis orthogonal to the central axis of top bar 42. Top cross piece 44 includes handle receiver snap lock hole 50 and handle receiver snap lock hole 52, each positioned approximately ⅜″ from each end of top cross piece 44. Left handle receiver 54 and right handle receiver 56 form opposing larger apertures comprising the tubular section, again of ¼″ tube stock forming top cross piece 44. In this manner, the handle bar components, described in more detail below, may be inserted into handle receivers 54 and 56 and secured therein by snap lock pins.

Reference is now made to FIG. 5 for a brief description of the structure and function of left handle bar 18 a and right handle 18 b. This set of handle bars comprise mirror images of each other but are not interchangeable left to right on the device of the present invention. The orientation of handle snap lock pins 66 a and 66 b, as well as the orientation of minor angles to the handle bars, require specific placement of the left and right handles. Left handle 18 a is comprised of handle coupler 64 a which integrates handle snap lock pin 66 a as well as handle bar component 62 a which extends through and positions cushion grip 60 a. In similar fashion, right handle 18 b is constructed of handler coupler 64 b which supports handle snap lock pin 66 b and transitions at an angle into handle bar 62 b, which again supports cushion grip 60 b.

Assembly of the device of the present invention comprises connecting each of the five separated pieces together in a manner generally described throughout the above. Lower receiver bar 14 may be stored within top receiver bar 16 and extended to an appropriate length by sliding the smaller receiver bar out from the larger diameter receiver bar and positioning the snap lock pin in one of the eight apertures arranged in the linear array in top receiver bar 16. Base 12 may then be positioned on lower receiver bar 14 with the associated snap lock pin securing the two pieces together. In a similar manner, left and right handle bars 18 a and 18 b may be inserted into the short cross section piece of top receiver bar 16, again with snap lock pins securing the handle in place.

Disassembly of the device is simply the reverse of the assembly process, although again it may be desirable to simply slide lower receiver bar 14 fully into top receiver bar 16 for storage and transport. Fully disassembled, the device of the present invention occupies a space no longer than the length of top receiver bar 16 and no wider than the width of base 12. Such a configuration allows for a very small case (hard or soft sided) to accommodate all of the components of the unassembled device.

Reference is next made to FIGS. 6A and 6B for an optional accessory component associated with the T-cane device of the present invention. Insofar as use of the device may often be intended at night time in darkened areas, it would be desirable if a small light were available to illuminate the path that the user might take with the device. FIGS. 6A and 6B provide an example of a manner in which a small, but sufficiently bright light may be positioned on the T-cane device of the present invention to facilitate the movement of the user in the dark. FIG. 6A provides a perspective view of external path light 70 that is positioned on top receiver bar 16 in close proximity to top cross piece 44 and is secured to top receiver bar 16 by means of attachment strap 78. External path light 70 comprises a fixed light base 72 and a pivoting light body 74. External pat light 70 in the preferred embodiment may incorporate a plurality of LED bulbs 76. Activation of the light may be by any of a number of mechanisms well known in the art, including twisting of light body 74 with respect to fixed light base 72. In the preferred embodiment, attachment strap 78 may be fixed by any of a number of different means well know in the art, including Velcro® strap surfaces.

FIG. 6B discloses in greater detail the pivoting functionality associated with external path light 70 and the manner in which pivot light body 74 may be tilted up or down (or side to side) so as to direct the light from the device on the desired path. This pivoting functionality is achieved by ball joint pivot 80 shown positioned between light base 72 and pivot light body 74. In the preferred embodiment, batteries and switch components associated with the light are internal to pivot light body 74 and may comprise user accessible components by means of rotating and separating subcomponents for pivot light body 74 as is known in the art. Alternately, other mechanisms providing batteries and switch mechanisms for external path light 70 may be provided. In addition, further embodiments of the present invention could integrate the components of a path light into the structures of the cane itself combining switch activation mechanisms and battery compartments into the components of the cane while still providing variable directional devices associated with the light elements themselves.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 7 and 8 for a detailed description of an alternate preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 discloses in detail an alternate top receiver bar 70 which, like the top receiver bar in the first preferred embodiment described above, is constructed of ¼″ tubular stock. In this case, the preferred inside diameter is again 1 1/16″ while the outside diameter is 1 5/16″. Positioned on the lower portion of top receiver bar 70 is a linear array of receiver holes 78 a-n. In this alternate preferred embodiment there are eight of these linearly spaced ¼″ diameter apertures, each positioned 1″ apart in order to accommodate a wide variability in the overall height for the cane. The upper end 76 of top receiver bar 70 in this alternate preferred embodiment excludes the T-shaped cross piece which is now integrated into the handlebar component as described in more detail below. The upper end 76 of top receiver bar 70 comprises top bar 72 terminating in snap lock receiver hole 74.

Reference is now made to FIG. 8 for a detailed description of an alternate preferred embodiment of the handlebar component of the present invention. In this alternate preferred embodiment, rather than separate handlebars insertable into a T-shaped section associated with the top receiver bar, the handlebar component itself integrates a T-shaped section that is inserted into the upper end 76 of top receiver bar 70 as shown in FIG. 7. In FIG. 8, handlebar component 80 comprises tubular crosspiece 82 integrating cushion grips 84 a and 84 b on the right and left sides of tubular crosspiece 82. Handle snap lock pin 86 is positioned on the center support bar of T-shaped handlebar 80 for reception into snap lock receiver hole 74 shown in FIG. 7. In this manner, the same disassembly of the T-cane device of the present invention into four basic components is accomplished through an alternate embodiment for the top receiver component and the handlebar component.

Although the present invention has been described in terms of the foregoing preferred embodiments, this description has been provided by way of explanation only and it is not intended to be a limitation of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize modifications of the present invention that might accommodate specific requirements of the user for stability and safety. Such modifications as to size, angles, and other dimensions where such modifications are coincidental to the specific requirements of the user, and do not necessarily depart from the spirit and scope of the invention. 

1. A collapsible walking assistance apparatus to facilitate movement of individuals who require assistance over short distances for brief periods of time, the apparatus comprising: a top receiver bar; a lower receiver bar; a pair of handlebars; and a base platform.
 2. The walking assistance apparatus of claim 1, wherein the top receiver bar further comprises: a T-shaped cross piece to receive and retain the pair of handlebars.
 3. The walking assistance apparatus of claim 1, wherein the top receiver bar further comprises: a cylindrical tube to receive and retain the pair of handlebars, wherein the handlebars further include a T-shaped cross piece.
 4. The walking assistance apparatus of claim 1, wherein the lower receiver bar is constructed to telescope within the top receiver bar and be fixed in position at a desired height.
 5. The walking assistance apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base platform further comprises: an opening designed to receive the lower receiver bar and to securely attach to the same during use; a rigid support plate having a base pad for contacting the floor; and a pair of winged plate sections for rocker type motion during use.
 6. A collapsible walking assistance apparatus to facilitate movement of individuals who require assistance over short distances for brief periods of time, the apparatus comprising: a T-shaped cane comprising a single, adjustable support post with a T-shaped crossbar having two handles for support; and a wide curved support foot comprising a cushioned contact surface for placement against the floor and for facilitating a rocker type motion to the user during use. 